Honda Deauville NT650V

A real Martini motorbike - any time, any place, anywhere! 

Advantages: Excellent comfort, good economy and low running costs.

Disadvantages: Sometimes clunky gearbox. Poor rear view mirrors & accessibility for DIY mechanic.

I traded in a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST for a low mileage 2001 Honda NT650V Deauville which I chose in preference to the 2002 model as I didn’t want the linked brakes of the newer bike. I’ve added a MRA Vario Touring screen, wind deflectors and heated grips (for winter riding), a fenda extenda to the front mudguard, a 42 litre Kappa topbox for added capacity and a power socket (to recharge my mobile). The result is an easy to ride motorcycle that keeps off the worst of the weather and does everything I need of a motorbike. Handling is predictable, improved by replacing the origin Michelin tyres (at 3,500 miles) with Avons Azaros that show little sign of wear after 6,000 miles. Servicing is every 4,000 miles so I alternate between doing the work myself and having it done professionally. Like many Deauville owners I get really annoyed with the bike press who slag the Deauville for being boring and dull. It gets me from A to B in comfort and safety and at a reasonable speed with consistent fuel economy around 55mpg. Insurance is cheap at just under £100 Fully Comp, it starts on the button the just gets on and does exactly what you ask it to do, solo or two up. Plus there are active owner’s websites in the UK (www.deauvilleuk.org) and in Europe where every aspect of ownership is covered. What more do you want?

Summary: Far better than the press would have you believe.

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Driving comfort:
on skiddy terrain:
on dry terrain: